What's the most cost-effective way to visit BGA while @ WDW?

[PeoplemoverMatt]

All-knowing minds of FL theme park wisdom, I have a question for thee.

 

My friend and I will be spending a week at WDW (4 nights, 3 free promo) from 1/25-2/1/09, and using DME/Disney buses/monorails for transportation. No rental car is part of the plan as of now. What's the best way to make it over to Tampa for a day at BGA without needing a taxi to get to an off-prop BGA shuttle pick-up site? Is there a way to do that? We're trying to do this as cheaply as it can possibly be done as money is very tight for both of us. Please give any & all recommendations, thanks.

[TheStig]

Any hotel at Disney:

 

https://secure.mearstransportation.com/MearsExpress/BuschGardens.asp

 

They will come pick you up if you schedule it I think. I've never done it as I'm local, but try that. Shouldn't cost TOO much, and if it does I would just consider renting a car for the day and splitting the costs. It might be cheaper.

 

EDIT: Oops didn't read all the way through that! I would honestly just get a taxi to Sea World or something. It's only $10 per person, plus probably another $15 - 20 for the taxi. That might be your only option!

[PeoplemoverMatt]

EDIT: Oops didn't read all the way through that! I would honestly just get a taxi to Sea World or something. It's only $10 per person, plus probably another $15 - 20 for the taxi. That might be your only option!

 

Man, I made that very same mistake, and came to the very same conclusion. None of my research shows another option. Hence why I come to the 'Ask Alvey' board. If there is another option besides the taxi, I know someone here can advise!

[robbalvey]

All-knowing minds of FL theme park wisdom, I have a question for thee.

 

My friend and I will be spending a week at WDW (4 nights, 3 free promo) from 1/25-2/1/09, and using DME/Disney buses/monorails for transportation. No rental car is part of the plan as of now. What's the best way to make it over to Tampa for a day at BGA without needing a taxi to get to an off-prop BGA shuttle pick-up site? Is there a way to do that? We're trying to do this as cheaply as it can possibly be done as money is very tight for both of us. Please give any & all recommendations, thanks.

I think Colin is right. If you're not able to rent a car, getting a taxi to the shuttle service is the only option.

 

But if you ARE willing to rent a car for a day, you may want to look into a day rental from the on-property Alamo rental car location at WDW. Alamo also has locations on the Walt Disney World property at the Car Car Center, Dolphin Hotel near Disney's BoardWalk and Buena Vista Palace near Downtown Disney.

 

That may be an option also.

 

--Robb

[dj snow]

I've rented from the WDW on-property Alamo/National office at the Car Care Center, and it was fine. You can make your reservation online in advance, then call the on-property rental office (I think they like a day or two advance notice) to tell them you need to be picked up at one of the hotels. They'll come by at the appointed time in their van and bring you to the Car Care Center, where you can rent your car and be on your way.

 

You may want to mention this plan when you check into your hotel, because they might go ahead and give you your hotel parking pass at that time. Chances are you'll be parking your car at your hotel for at least one night.

 

It may also be worth calling Busch Gardens. They may have some slick solution to your situation that none of us have thought of. I'm sure they get the question all the time, so it'd be worth asking them.

[PeoplemoverMatt]

So we've taken your advice and are renting a small car from the Car Care Center. $44 + gas for a day is more than we'd hoped, but the added convenience of not being on the Shuttle's schedule & being able to stop by Old Town for its 2 credits outweighs the minor financial losses. Thanks for the advice.